Reed's list

Reed took the trash out today. We didn't ask him to or even suggest at any point that it would be a potential job he could do. He just took the trash out.

When he returned he asked, "Where's that book that says 'ages 3 through 8'?" That's when I figured out why he took the trash out.

A week or two ago Lindsay was reading a parenting book, which she left out. Reed found it and picked it up. The part that got his interest details a list of things you're supposed to get your children to do at various ages in order to teach them to work and be independent. Here's the list for five-year-olds:

• Straighten room
• Vacuum
• Empty garbage cans
• Set table
• Clear table
• Make own lunch
• Warm up canned food
• Get allowance

Looks like we have one to add to Reed's list: "Parent self".

Trip #4 to the ER...

...is what I thought was in store when Reed shouted, "Max is bleeding, Max is bleeding!"Thankfully the only accident here was leaving the Easter egg coloring tablets within reach. Lesson to Max: not everything that looks like candy is candy.

We love Reed

Reed turned five. We have made it through our 10 day waiting period so we can now post about the event. I understand that this particular requirement may seem pointless and arbitrary, but it's a rule and we follow rules. Lindsay also wanted me to bump that picture of my lip down so she didn't have to look at it anymore ("I'm tired of your lip!" she said).

We had two parties--the family party on the day of his birthday (March 24), and a friend party on the following Saturday.

Reed loved his Book of Mormon birthday cake


Max enjoyed it, too


The boys both liked the presents Reed got (this one is from Nana and Papa)


The friend party started at Bounce U


There were lots of slides...




And some other activities as well


Afterwards we went to a park, had cupcakes, and opened presents


We love Reed!

April Fool

I guess I shouldn't have tried a back flip on the trampoline after all. It would have only taken one stitch to teach me that lesson...the other six were just a bonus.

Another adventure at the pond

These pictures are from a few weeks ago (you can tell they were not take any time during the last week because if they had been there would be rain).

Lindsay and the boys decided to take a walk to the pond behind our house, as they often do.


As they approached the water they saw something alarming.


Can you see it?


Of course, Max knew immediately what it was!


And Reed knew just how to handle it.


Life is always more interesting with these two little adventurers around.


P.S. In case it wasn't clear from the pictures, their "alligator" was just a log floating in the water.

P.P.S. Just a few days ago, Reed shouted to Lindsay from the backyard, "Max and I are going to the pond. Do you want to come?" I just hope they don't forget to invite her anytime soon--what with the alligators and all.

My very funny valentines

Reed loved these "Valentines Day" shirts and hated to take his off to wash it. It makes me happy to know that I still have a little more time before he thinks this kind of stuff is not cool.



We celebrated our love together with a trip to Baskin Robbins.


Very romantic....


Grandmother and Max at what Reed called the "doughnut table".

January

I know--- I am WAY behind, but January was too important to skip entirely. So much for 2009 being the year I mastered record keeping.

We started the year with celebration as our little Max turned TWO on January 6th. He really is totally deserving of his own post, but since I'm so behind this will have to do for now. (I will gush about how wonderful he is and how much he has grown in an upcoming post.)

The birthday boy and cake.


The party guests.


January also brought some cool weather--- perfect for playing outside...




Throwing leaves...


and trying out the self timer. (Reed's new favorite feature)



The cool weather turned to COLD weather and the most snow we've ever seen in NC.


Some loved the snow...




Some didn't..